McHenry Teen Charged with DUI in Crash That Killed Two Young Victims
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Around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, a deadly collision occurred at the intersection of Richmond Road (IL‑31) and McCullom Lake Road in McHenry. Authorities described it as a three-vehicle crash initially involving a southbound 2006 Audi A4 and a 2015 Nissan Sentra, followed by the Audi striking an unoccupied 2003 Toyota Echo parked nearby .
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The crash left the Sentra flipped and heavily damaged, with widespread debris scattering the roadway.
⚰️ Victims
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Inside the Nissan Sentra were a 19-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy, both pronounced dead at the scene by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office .
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A third teenager, the 18-year-old Audi driver from Fox River Grove, sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital .
🚔 Charges Filed
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The driver, Jason Land, has been formally charged with two counts of aggravated DUI—accident causing death (Class 2 felonies), as well as two counts of misdemeanor DUI (BAC ≥ .08) and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.
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Police reports indicate that alcohol was involved, leading to these serious charges.
🔍 Investigation & Response
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The McHenry Police Department has indicated that speed was believed to be a contributing factor in the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.
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The McHenry County Regional Crash Assistance Team—which includes officers from multiple departments—assisted in the investigation at the scene. The intersection remained partially closed for hours while officials conducted reconstruction and evidence gathering.
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Authorities have withheld the names of the deceased and the injured pending family notifications.
Overview: A Community in Mourning
📅 Timeline & Location
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| ~12:30 a.m. | Three-car collision at Richmond Road & McCullom Lake Road |
| Early Morning | Victims pronounced, scene secured, victims identified |
| Morning | Charges announced against the 18‑year‑old driver |
| Late Morning | Road partially closed; crash investigators deployed |
🧾 Key Facts
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Victims: A 19‑year‑old woman and a 14‑year‑old boy in the Nissan died; the Audi driver (18) is hospitalized with serious injuries .
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Accused: Jason Land (18, from Fox River Grove), sole occupant of the audi, faces multiple DUI-related charges amidst allegation of alcohol-impaired driving and failure to reduce speed .
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Crash Circumstances: High speed and impaired driving likely contributed; investigation ongoing with teamwork across multiple police departments .
In Summary
In the early hours of July 28, a tragic three-vehicle collision in McHenry claimed the lives of two young individuals and left another teenager severely hurt. The accused driver faces serious criminal charges, including aggravated DUI causing death. This incident has shaken the community, and authorities are urging anyone with information to reach out via the McHenry Police Department or anonymous tip line